Ky Russell, M.A., combines an academic background in Kinesiology with over 20 years of experience teaching Pilates, mindful movement, and stress reduction practices. She is a Balanced Body® Educator since 2008, teaching Pilates instructor training programs and Anatomy in 3 Dimensions® across the country and at Pilates on Tour® conferences. She is also the founder of the Pilates Stress Relief Specialization Program® and the Blessful Body® Virtual Studio, helping instructors and clients integrate movement, mindfulness, and embodied stress relief into their daily lives.

Ky was introduced to Pilates in 1993 and became devoted to the practice after recovering from a dance injury in 2001. She received her original Pilates certification under Nora St. John in 2002 and is certified by the National Pilates Certification Program (NCPT), Yoga Alliance, and ACE.

She taught Pilates-based rehabilitation at the world-renowned St. Francis Hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine, specializing in pre- and post-rehabilitation protocols, injury prevention, and functional movement restoration. Ky has taught thousands of hours to clients ranging from professional athletes and performers to individuals living with chronic pain. She has also served as faculty at San José State University, teaching Embodied Stress Management, and her thesis research examined women’s postpartum exercise experiences through a feminist framework.

Ky has offered continuing education workshops for the College of San Mateo, Bay Area studios, and pre/post-natal Pilates certification programs for movement professionals through the Center for Women’s Fitness. She is a former professional dancer and circus performer and is a certified Grief Yoga®, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness instructor, which she incorporates into her classes, private sessions, and teacher training programs.

Her professional recognitions include:

• Balanced Body® Educator since 2008 and presenter at Pilates On Tour Conferences

• Founder of the Pilates Stress Relief Specialization Program®

• International Pilates retreat leader

•  Creator of the Blessful Body® Virtual Studio and Pilates Hive Membership, providing accessible Pilates and mindful movement programs worldwide

Ky has established successful practices in clinical settings, universities, Pilates studios, gyms, and online, giving her a full understanding of how to build a thriving, diversified Pilates career. She delights in mentoring students and instructors as they create sustainable studios, private practices, and careers in movement education.

Outside of teaching, Ky is a busy mom and enjoys roller skating, dancing, and spending time on the beach with her tween daughter and dog. Her mission is to help purpose-driven individuals move from stressed out to “blessed out,” building confidence, strength, vitality, and the ability to fully bring their energy and light into the world.

Ky is thrilled to guide the next generation of Pilates instructors to develop their skills, confidence, and presence while creating rewarding, meaningful careers as Pilates instructorsPilates on Tour® Conferences nationwide